Headway's The Band Violin Pickup Sytem gives you a compact, durable, and easy-to-install pickup capable of providing electric amplification for your violin or viola without the need for any destructive modifications to the instrument itself.

The benefits of The Band are many: You'll get far greater volume levels before feedback compared to using a microphone. In addition to cutting feedback, The Band reduces bowing noise and body sounds and gives you the ability to filter out excessive treble. Thanks to The Band violin and viola pickup you'll have more freedom to use the stage when you're no longer tied down to your microphone stand during performances.

Just think how much faster you'll get through sound checks with this unique band-shaped pickup on your violin or viola!

The increased headroom (volume) before feedback offered by The Band pickup enables you to monitor your violin without problems from modest to high volumes.

The Band wraps around your violin under the strings and is firmly secured with 2 Velcro hook-and-loop strips in a 3-step process:

1. Pass the end of The Band pickup tube under the strings between the bridge and the tailpiece and wrap it around the violin's waist.

2. Strap the 2 ends of the tube firmly around the violin's back and secure with the provicded Velcro&reg; strip.

3. Wrap the other provided Velcro&reg; tape is around the first to provide additional security for the mounted pickup.

Headway's The Band instant pickup works equally well on violins and violas and is covered with a stylish black material that will not detract from your instrument's appearance.

Previously I used the Fishman piezo pickup that attaches to the bridge. I found this pickup to be tinny and to cause a lot of feedback when playing through amps. I was thus forced...Read complete review

Previously I used the Fishman piezo pickup that attaches to the bridge. I found this pickup to be tinny and to cause a lot of feedback when playing through amps. I was thus forced to play through PA's, and even then I sometimes got feedback. 'The Band' on the other hand provides a warm tone and generates practically no feedback. Now I can play my acoustic through my Alessandro Boxer tube amp, rather having to use my Zeta. It is quite easy to use, just slap it on and you're ready to go. The only draw back is that if you have a large shoulder pad it might get in the way. I use the original Kun and have no problems. IMO avoid the piezo pickups and spend the extra money for this guy.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

worked fine until it shorted out

This fairly expensive piece of equipment works fine until it starts shorting out, when you are too bad, how sad, out of luck as there is no recourse but to purchase a new...Read complete review

This fairly expensive piece of equipment works fine until it starts shorting out, when you are too bad, how sad, out of luck as there is no recourse but to purchase a new one. Don't buy this, play through a mic like the pros do.

I have two fiddles with very different qualities and only play with amplification on occasion. I wanted a pickup I can easily swap between the two instruments. This one does the trick. The only drawback is that it must be removed to put the instrument in its case. It does muffle the sound if you're not playing with amplification, but not as much as a practice mute.

First, about the product. I've used bridge clip-on type pickups on my violins in the past and alway found them lacking in tone and difficult to transfer from violin to violin. The band addresses both of those issues beautifully. The tone is so full and rich you'll have a hard time distinguishing the amplified tone from the sound coming off your violin. Run this through a PA and you'll get right out there in the mix and above where you need it.

Now, about the service. I found out on a Friday that I had to play violin for and acoustic rock show the following Tuesday night and that I would need to be amplified. After looking for any potential solutions locally (electric violins, pickups) I decided to research online and found The Band. I called Musicians Friend at 9PM and the sales rep worked to get the price down where overnight shipping was basically free. He assured me it would arrive by no later than 4PM on Tuesday and that's exactly what happened. The Band arrived Tuesday afternoon, I tried it out at home and then headed to the gig. I've never had so many compliments on my violin sound. Thanks Musician's Friend and Headway!!!

The only con, that may not even be a 'con' because I don't use a preamp, is that I have to adjust the volume when switching from guitar to fiddle. I play solo/duo/trio gigs. However, when I have enough inputs and can dedicate a 'direct box', I'll probably be 100% happy. Now, it is excellent and I'm 90% there. Good luck and after a couple more gigs, if you don't hear back from me, I'll be recommending this to any fiddle player looking for ease of use and as close to warmth of acoustic as possible!

This fairly expensive piece of equipment works fine until it starts shorting out, when you are too bad, how sad, out of luck as there is no recourse but to purchase a new one. Don't buy this, play through a mic like the pros do.

I have used this pickup system in large church venues and smaller clubs. There are no issues with feedback; and it sounds exactly like my instrument, just louder. It really preserves the gorgeous deep sound of wood. I haven't had to dump high frequencies or anything. It doesn't mark up my fiddle, and can be put on very easily.

Nice, natural, rich tone especially compared to piezo bridge pickups. Pre amp not necessary. Installs and removes from violin in seconds. After removing the pickup from the violin there is no evidence that the appliance was ever there. Have played a few gigs since receiving the pickup with no complaints other than it requires some care while inserting and removing the 1/4 inch cable jack, it's not like plugging in an electric guitar. It's a little difficult, maybe because it's new. Take care especially if you value your instrument. I'm pleasantly surprised and happy with the product!Quality is so far so good. Time will tell how it holds up.Not a bad price compared to other pick ups

This pickup is the best invention ever. I had been real lenient about choosing a pickup to mount on my violin. But with the band, i don't have that worry. It's also convient to use the band on my other violins. I definitely recommend this to any violinist.

It took all of 30 seconds to strap this on an old, worn out, cracked fiddle. I plugged it into my practice amp and was completely shocked at how loud it was. I adjusted the volume a little and "The Band" made my fiddle sound absolutely great. I can't wait to use this at my next bluegrass gig.